We were able to explore some beautiful places in Oregon--many waterfalls and other spots that are unique to Oregon; also a little trip into Northern California to see the coastal redwoods. Truly awesome, those trees! We were able to spend a little time with friends and try some regional ice cream places. It was a fabulous trip! Southern Oregon was a very friendly place; we liked it very much. We left the day before the governor placed the requirement for everyone in Oregon to wear masks. Much of our vacation time was outdoors so we didn’t need masks for that anyway.
We returned in time for Joyanna’s last infusion but since my body was 2 hours behind, I was out of it that day. Even our nurse commented how it looked like I was really tired. Needless to say, I didn’t post! We prepared and left the next day to travel to Missouri and attend a wedding. We stayed with my brother in Springfield, MO and had some fun with family. We also went to Sight & Sound’s "Noah" because Ben had bought tickets back in the spring. They had only opened their shows back up a couple weeks before that. We traveled back to OKC on the evening of July 4 and, while traveling, got to see more fireworks than we’ve ever seen on an Independence Day. Starting at dusk, people were setting them off on both sides of the road all along the way. It was fun! That was the end of our travels for the summer. Home Sweet Home!
Joyanna came home on Tuesday, July 7. We didn’t quite finish everything that we had hoped to finish while at TCC. We learned that the 30-day stay is so quick. It was still a blessing for sure. Joyanna seemed happy to be at home and we got right back into our home routine. We’ll still figure out a few of those loose ends regarding equipment adjustments, but they will take time. She will get a new bath chair that will roll from bed to tub, it also connects to a track on a stand in the bathtub so transfer for bath will be MUCH easier for me. She will get a new stander that will accommodate her growth (she’s getting so tall 😊). She has all her braces now and one new brace that will help her arms to stretch out. So, she literally has braces from shoulder to toe now. She doesn’t wear them all at the same time although she could. We alternate them because she wears some longer than others, and I’m not sure I’d want to be in all of them at once. We are enjoying reading time each day and Joyanna continues to work on her switch and digital books.
Today is infusion day. Last infusion day when I didn’t post, she didn’t go to sleep at all. But today, she fell asleep around her normal time. She’s been resting well.
We are not taking Joy to church right now because OKC moved back to social distancing practices. Ben and I have been trading off going to services with Ethan. We feel this is the wisest way to respond to the current circumstances. We are like everyone else and are taking each day at a time and making decisions as the Lord leads. I am reminded that because decisions are so daily we should all be in God’s Word, spending time with Him. Otherwise, we have no help to make the right decision. In fact, decisions made based on our own thinking will be destructive in the long run. One thing I am also sure of is that we cannot panic or make decisions based on fear. Covid-19 is new, and has surprised us at its effects, but God is not surprised. We don’t know where this situation will take us but God knows. HE IS STILL IN CONTROL! If I begin to think that Joy may get the virus and die, then I remind myself that only God has control over that. If she does, then it is His will and I couldn’t have changed it even if I bought 5 gallons of hand sanitizer. If He still has purpose for her on this earth, then nothing will take her life from her. The balance is that we must trust and obey--trust that He is in control, and obey God’s Word and the civil and spiritual authorities that God has given to us. This includes living with common sense and cleanliness.
I’ll leave you with the words to this song today: He’s Still on the Throne
He's Still on the Throne
A sinner now saved, Blood washed by a Lamb;
My Brother's a King, the Son of I Am.
Sometimes I forget, to Whom I belong,
Then the sweet Spirit cries, "My child, I'm still on the throne"
CHORUS
He's still on the throne!
So what could be wrong.
It is well with my soul.
Let the stormy winds blow.
I'm reminded today,
Thank God I am saved.
Salvation's sweet song while ages roll on, He's still on the throne.
Ol' Satan has power, and sometimes I'm weak.
There's times I give up and he walks over me.
Then Someone comes by with words loud & strong,
"Arise my child, it is I & I'm still on the throne."